Photographer's Note

Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Ping Yao was the major centre for the whole of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of the most popular tourist attraction are very well preserved city walls which surround the whole ancient town. This photo has been taken from of the towers close to the East Gate. It was late afternoon and locals seemed to take their time to relax and socialize.

Hi Kamila
now thats what I call a WALL!
wow.
very impressive indeed. It would have been very interesting to see this being built.

the vertical compo works well, and i give you credits for that because i think the mamjority of photographers would have gone with the horizontal view to allow for more of the wall - but in the vertical we get the Height! a totally different mood, the wall has power and dominates here.
lovely shot
cheers
craig

Hi Kamila!
Very interesting and attractive picture that shows us a place in a way we're not used to see (if I've ever seen this location before)!
Sharpness, exposure, colors and, above all, vertical format, chosen pov and composition are all outstanding photo qualities!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

hi kamila. such a unique photo from china. first i thought this was a section from the great wall, but then it is pingyao city walls. strong diagonal perspective enhances the composition, and the people with their bikes are tiny ants adding human interest and adding to the perspective. it was probably a hazy day or you decreased the contrast, the sky has a strange greyish/yellowish appeal.

Fine low angle lighting enhances the details of Ping Yao's immense wall, with bikers for scale and in good resolution.
Perhaps the high wall was designed to keep people in as much as to keep outsiders out?

Hello Kamila,
This is a great, "clean" composition, much more interesting than the ordinary views of the wall. It gives us a good idea of its impressive size and I like very much to watch the two small groups of people sitting beneath the nicely curving wall with their bicycles. The late afternoon sun has given the entire view a very nice warm tone.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi Kamila,
I like your point of view from a distance and above to show this massive wall structure. The people soaking up the last rays of sun and chatting give a good idea of scale, and add that essential element of life to the image.
Regards
Wanda

Hi Kamila
Great great compo Kamila! and I love your photographic vision that you just seem to have that very finer keen eye, even without the people on the foreground for me, this shot excels. You've really captured the feel of the place here in great perspective and depth with effective curvy line directing the eye so smoothly. You benefitted the minimal colour tones really well here as the people's stark contrast in the setting turns this outstandingly eye grabbing shot. That's a great work that you've done a delicate job under the circumstances. A great true life capture and simply gorgeous, My compliments.
Best regards

Hello Kamila,
So this is another wall? Oh, Great!
An outstanding composition with wonderful colors and clarity. The bikers and the vertical frame show the height of the wall and the photo shows beyond it, the trees and a tower. Very nice. Wonderful use of the morning light that created magic.
Great shot. Thanks for sharing.
With regards,
Alekhya

Hello Kamila!
Beautiful shot from above! Large spaces and monumental architecture, and a bit of melancholy ... There are 9 people and six bicycles, emblematic image of a vast and mysterious country! Brava!
Regards, Nino.

Good evening Kamila,
Fabulousely scaledd by the people afoot of the big walls, the view from atop give an idea about what was in the minds of those who defended the town.
Fine clear shot, the afternoon light gave a nice golden texture to the stones, both on pavement and the fortifications.
Best regards,
Ike

Hello Kamila,
I absolutely love this scene and its atmosphere, so calm, mysterious and timeless. You created an original and very attractive composition and offered us a close, thorough and detailed view of this imposing and majestic wall. You have used the perspective of your vantage point superbly. I also like the placement of the two groups of people and bikes as well as the enticing view over the wall. The textures all over the vast surfaces have been rendered exquisitely and so have the soft, warm light and the colours. The grey sky influences the mysterious atmosphere a lot. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely day,
Ourania

Hello Kamila - The two groups of figures with bicycles make this shot far more than a record of an ancient slice of Chinese architecture, they become the main element. I really like the way you have used the vertical framing to present this scene. Beautifully balanced with very good lead in lines, this is excellent. Warm regards Rosemary

Very good photo of the wall basking in the warm sunset/sunrise light with golden tone and soft long shadow. The Presence of the people really give a good sense of how big the wall really is, and there is a feel of old China, it feels like stepping back in time to the old Dynasty time. It is good to see that these people are still using bicycle instead of motor cycle or cars. Excellent POV and good quality. I love it.

Hello Kamila,
Your choice of angle and POV has presented a strong and impressive view of these imposing walls. The bystanders provide us with a sense of how big these walls are. I like soft sunlight enhancing the colors of these walls. Thanks for sharing a good photo.
Regards,
Subho

A photograph which has a wonderful sense of depth signified by the castellated wall, from the f/g to its tower. The figures are strongly positioned (particularly in the f/g) helping to give scale as well as assisting the sense of perspective.
The details are nicely sharp.

I have heard say that there is much air pollution in China; do you think that is evident in the sky which has quite a dull colour considering the bright sunshine, or were you using a filter?

Hello Kamila,
This is an excellent composition. The people in the image are perfectly placed and the dark colours of their clothes provide a nice contrast against the soft brown tones of the wall. The tower in the distance also adds interest to the image. Great shot.
Warm regards,
Trevor

Witaj Kamila,
excellent the chosen POV as we can see the exterior of the city walls with the sitting citizens to add scape in it.The warm falling afternoon light,enhance the melacholy of the image with the wall to creates depth and perspective in it.

Hi Kamila.
Fantastic this vertical composition, allowing us to see in all its grandeur, this formidable wall so well preserved, cyclists chatting at the foot of it, give us fine proportions of this great work.
Magnificent this palette.
Perfect light management and sharpness.
Well done. I love it.
Enjoy the weekend.
Best wishes.
Luis.

Hello Kamila,
I've been twice in China but for some strange reason Ping Yao wasn't on my list of places to visit :(
Looking at this picture I can only conclude that these city walls look very huge and impressive. The town was clearly a fortified place.
The inclusion of both groups of people adds some human interest and also gives a good sense of scale.
In the light of the late afternoon the walls get nice warm tones.
Best regards, Paul

This is another superb shot from your China trip. Almost monochrome background, with wonderfully positioned figures. The picture has already got quite a lot of kuddo's, but I'll gladly add mine. Congratulations!

Hi Kamila!
You're showing a different shot of the wall and I really like it! The composition is very good and what I see here is really China:)! The men talking, the bikes... Good scene and I like the way you framed it!